Directions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar, stirring until smooth. Mix in crushed pretzels and press firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch glass dish. Freeze while preparing the cream cheese layer to help the crust set.
- Make the cream cheese layer: Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in Cool Whip until fully incorporated. Spread evenly over the chilled pretzel crust and return to the refrigerator.
- Prepare the gelatin topping: In a large bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water and let sit for a few minutes to bloom. Heat 1 1/4 cups of lemon-lime soda until boiling, then pour over the gelatin, stirring until completely dissolved. Stir in the remaining 3/4 cup soda and set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble fruit layer: Arrange blueberries, raspberries, and sliced strawberries evenly over the chilled cream cheese layer.
- Optional apple stars: Cut the apple into thin slices. Using a small star-shaped cookie cutter, cut stars from the apple slices. Brush immediately with lemon juice to prevent browning, and arrange over the berries.
- Add gelatin layer: Gently pour the room-temperature gelatin over the fruit layer. Be careful not to pour warm gelatin, as it may melt the cream cheese layer.
- Chill: Refrigerate for several hours or overnight until the gelatin is completely set. Slice and serve chilled.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 3–4 hours or overnight
Total Time: 3–4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12–15
Difficulty: Medium
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap lemon-lime soda for diet soda or sparkling water with a bit of sugar for a lighter version.
- Use a combination of your favorite fruits such as blackberries, kiwi, or mandarin oranges.
- Replace Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher, less processed version.
- Add a layer of crushed graham crackers under the pretzel crust for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
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